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The University of South Carolina School of Medicine (USCSOM)-Columbia is the academic home of the Master’s degree program for physician assistant (PA) education. Students will earn a Masters in Science in Physician Assistant Studies, and graduates are prepared to become practicing physician assistants, once they have passed the PANCE exam.   Physician Assistants (PAs) are needed to address the growing needs for primary care in our state and throughout the nation, especially in rural and underserved areas. In addition, PAs are employed to assist with medical and surgical procedures in a cost-effective manner. The role of PAs is expected to expand as states continue to allow physician assistants to do more procedures and as insurance companies expand coverage of PA services, and the demand is expected to continue to increase for these advanced health care providers. PA Programs are accredited by the ARC-PA (Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant). 

This Master’s PA program is a collaboration with USCSOM’s clinical partners at Palmetto Health Richland (PHR) and the Dorn VA Medical Center (Dorn VAMC), since they will be providing the primary clinical training sites for the program. 

Learning Outcomes

This new MSPAS program at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine has the following vision, mission, and goals:

• Vision:  Our vision is to prepare Physician Assistant graduates to improve access to primary medical care for the citizens of rural and medically-underserved South Carolina and the nation.

   

• Mission Statement: The USC School of Medicine -Columbia Masters in Science in Physician Assistant Studies Program strives to produce highly competent, compassionate physician assistants who are committed to lifelong learning and advancing the PA profession. The program is dedicated to producing physician assistants who deliver high-quality, patient-centered care, excel as members of an interprofessional health care team, while making significant contributions to the health care needs of South Carolina and the nation.

   

• Program Goals:

1. Enroll diverse and highly qualified students who reflect the dynamic population of South Carolina and the nation.

2. Encourage life-long professional involvement, scholarly activity, leadership and service.

3. Maintain a level of PANCE pass rates that meets or exceeds the national average.

4. Maintain an overall 95% or better graduation rate for entering University of South Carolina Physician Assistant students.

5. Maintain an accredited program with an innovative curriculum that prepares entry-level graduates for the contemporary practice of medicine.

    

PA Curriculum Design

The Masters Degree Program for Physician Assistants is a 27-month study (7 semesters) with 112 total credit hours. PA students are full time, and this is an intense program, not unlike other PA programs throughout the nation in the number of credit hours or length.  The 27 month curricular plan includes a strong basic science foundation in physiology, pharmacology, human anatomy, and pathophysiology with a systems-based instructional approach to clinical medicine, and clinical training under experienced preceptors. There are also many elements associated with professional development for PAs and interprofessional interactions, as well as understanding population health, quality care, and using evidenced-based practices. The required practicums are derived from those used for training medical students in these venues, with a strong focus on primary care training. Some of the foundational content and introductory clinical medicine principles will be taught with other health professional (graduate or medical) students to forge interprofessional team concepts. Many of the courses involve hands-on preparation for clinical practice, including training in new technologies using the USCSOM Simulation Center and Ultrasound Institute. The USCSOM-Columbia is a leader in integrating ultrasound training throughout our medical curriculum, and this PA program builds on the School of Medicine’s experience and expertise in training medical professionals.